A ROOT OF SOMETHING OR OTHER

From My Perspective - - -

Political rhetoric is interesting and in some ways it can be fascinating. The slogan or slogans that are developed oftentimes flow from focus groups where the language and phrasing have been tested. The key slogan that resonated well becomes one of the main emphases of a campaign. A not-too-distant Presidential Campaign had a singular focus that was summed up and posted in their campaign headquarters: “It’s the economy, stupid.” The candidate then connected with the people when he allowed, “I feel your pain.” The idea that a man in office will concentrate on the creation of more and better jobs became a basis for how votes were cast. We continue to hear that same type of rhetoric in the vitriolic (caustic, scathing, severely bitter) partisanship of the current day.

In his latest book on, “The Coming Economic Armageddon”, part of David Jeremiah’s thesis is that fewer and fewer people are controlling more and more of the nation’s and world’s wealth. He appeals to a cartoon drawn by Edward Sorel and titled, “The Four Horsemen of the Wall Street Apocalypse.” Sorel alludes to the reference in the early chapters of The Book of Revelation regarding the four horsemen. His cartoon depiction is of four skeletons on the four horses riding in a wild stampede over the Wall Street ruins of the Stock Exchange. It is a gruesome visual and contemplation. David Jeremiah writes, “Each skeleton is labeled with one of the four heart attitudes that contributed to our current financial situation: Mendacity (Deception), Stupidity, Arrogance and Greed.” The author points out that these heart attitudes are crucial in that they will not only lead to the economic collapse of the world economy as it exists today but will impact the culture due to the fact that these are the same heart attitudes that are ruling the world, the nations and the people today.

The four heart attitudes are explained by David Jeremiah in this manner: (1) Mendacity (Deception) is illustrated by the many frauds perpetrated in our society, such as identity theft, mail and internet fraud, hoaxes, pyramid schemes, extortions and rip-offs; (2) Stupidity (which can include the ideas of foolishness, mindlessness or irrationality. Appeal is made to Acts 2:40 – ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ The MSG paraphrase simply states – “Get out of this sick and stupid culture.” The warning and counsel given is taken from I Timothy 6:9-10, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” It is a point well made. (3) Arrogance (Haughty) is illustrated by the fact that money gives a person a sense of power and control over others – employees, debtors, vendors, community and church. Appeal is made to I Timothy 6:17, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty (arrogant), nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” The proper way to respond to wealth is stated in I Timothy 6:18-19, “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (4) Greed is illustrated by the dissatisfaction of people with their houses, cars and other possessions. Their cravings grow beyond their means until their personal economy both reflect the nature of the national economy and contribute to it. David Jeremiah inserts the counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ in this regard. It is direct, terse and to the point. In Luke 12:15, the words of Jesus are: “And he said to them: Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness (greed), for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

One of the important conclusions shared is taken from Hebrews 13:5-6, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" You may shrug all of this off and view it as no immediate consequence. You/We would do well to give it more immediate consideration. Consider these things with me.